Given that the fashion industry is increasingly looking to Asian clients to boost sluggish sales, designers could be forgiven for paying homage to Chinese fashion.

On first glance, the Giorgio Armani Prive collection did just that. Mr. Armani’s muse was the Shanghai Lady and the roaring ’20s. The couture collection featured dresses with floral designs, silk shawls and bright yellow jackets. Models with cropped, black hair walked down the catwalk to the sound of eastern music.

At the event’s cocktail party Mr. Armani told the Wall Street Journal that his Chinese inspiration had nothing to do with the recession. “It’s not about the crisis,” said the bronzed designer. “It is an inspiration from a forgotten world to help people dream.”

And dream they did. As Mr. Armani’s wearable collection made its way down the runway, clients frequently applauded. One particular favorite with the crowd was a flowing black strapless gown covered with black sequins. Another was a shimmering silver evening dress.

At the post-show party facing the Eiffel Tower, an eclectic group of clients (including French soccer legend Eric Cantona) agreed that Mr. Armani’s modernist look was right on target. –Max Colchester